Two South Korean marines killed in border clash

Two South Korean marines have been killed and at least 16 wounded in an artillery exchange at Yeonpyeong island.

The island is home to a large South Korean military base and lies around 3000 metres south of the disputed Yellow Sea area. South Korea said that around 50 artillery shells landed on the island, killing two soldiers and wounding over a dozen. The South Korean military had been conducting what it describes as "exercises" around the island earlier in the day and the North claimed that the South was responsible for opening hostilities. Seoul has dismissed Pyongyang's claim, saying that they were fired on first. The South responded by firing over 80 shells - there are no reported casualties on the Northern side.

It has also come to light that the North has shown of a Uranium enrichment facility to a US scientist. The Uranium could be used to make nuclear weapons.

South Korea has threatened missile strikes agains the North should there be any further clashes.

Shots fired across Korean border

Shots have been fired across the Korean border in a further escalation of hostilities between the rival states.

South Korea has claimed that two shots were fired at one of their frontline units in Hwacheon. The South Korean military then responded with three rounds. There were no injuries. So far North Korea has not made any statement regarding the incident.

The incident is believed to have been the first cross border shooting in four years, although confrontations at sea are common. Tensions between the two rivals have been high since the South accused the North of torpedoing one of its warships in March, with the loss of 46 lives. Pyongyang denies the charge.